Ontario Planning Commission bids adieu to Hartley

ONTARIO- Barbara Hartley, who had been on the Planning Commission since 2005, was recognized for her service at the Jan. 22 meeting.

Hartley's history with the city actually began before her time on the commission, says Jerry Blum, director of the city's Planning Department. Hartley was a city employee, working in the city clerk's office, for more than 40 years.

She was appointed to the commission in 2005 and during the time has attended 96 Planning Commission meetings, 96 workshops in preparation of the meetings, Blum said.

She was also a member of the Historic Preservation Planning Committee, which has met more than 150 times. The group is a subcommittee of the Planning Commission, he said.

During the eight years that's she been part of the Planning Commission, Blum said Hartley was really involved in the development of the Ontario Plan, the General Plan, as well as numerous specific plans.

"She's sat on the commission and review and approved millions of square feet of industrial commercial properties," Blum said.

He said she was very involved the recent development in downtown Ontario.

"We've enjoyed her presence on the commission and enjoyed her comments, her questions and keeping our staff on our toes. We appreciated the service you've provided," Blum told Hartley.

Commissioner Rick Gage, who was presiding over the meeting for the absent Richard Delman, read comments from the chairman.

"Barbara I like to thank you for all your diligent work on the commission and directly involved in many decisions that helped Ontario to continue to be one of the leading cities in the Inland Empire," Gage read from Delman's statement.

In his statement, Delman said her many years of service was in been in the best interest in the city.

"I don't look this as a farewell but we will see you further service in the community," Delman stated.

Longtime commissioner Bob Gregorek said one of the benefits of being on the commission is meeting new people. Like Blum, he commended Hartley for her knowledge of the city's history. Gregorek and Hartley were both members of the Historic Preservation committee.

"I appreciate your knowledge of the past history of the city and it helped immensely, and helped with the decision making," he said.

Gregorek said he really consider more than just a colleague but also a friend.

"I'd really hate to see you go I'm not losing a friend just the time we spend," Gregorek said.

Commissioner Jim Downs reiterated Hartley's importance to the commission and the wealth of city knowledge that she brought along.

"I know you are not going to be a stranger. You'll be back to haunt us and be here and get involved in other things in our city," Downs joked. Gage said he loved hearing all the stories and all the details about what was going on in the city.

"I really appreciate you being a nice person, you are very pleasant to work with," he said. "I especially liked it that you complemented me on my hair all the time. So as a farewell, Barbara I love your hair."

After hearing from all he commissioners, it was Hartley's turn to speak.

She thanked the planning staff for all their knowledge and help through the years.

"Jerry, I've known a lot of planning directors but you are the best," Hartley told Blum. "I'm proud to have been given the privilege of working with you and Scott."

Hartley got a little choked up as she thanked Blum and Scott Murphy, the assistant planning director.

To her fellow commissioners, Hartley said told them she would miss them.

The former commissioner said one of the things she did when she was in the City Clerk's Office was to serve as clerk's historian. "I did research on the city of Ontario, I learned a lot and I passed a lot on," she said.

But Hartley said she does not plan to go away saying that she is involved in a lot of things in the community.

"The historic preservation subcommittee I will hold close to my heart, you guys wonderful, I love you all," she said. Hartley was presented a plaque by the commission.